U.S. patent application number 14/664152 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for automated test strip peening.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.. Invention is credited to Mario Blais, Martin Blanchet.
Application Number | 20160273984 14/664152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56923720 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160273984 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blais; Mario ; et
al. |
September 22, 2016 |
AUTOMATED TEST STRIP PEENING
Abstract
A system for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening apparatus
using a part in a shot-peening session, comprising an intensity
calculator for receiving real-time pressure data from at least one
sensor positioned adjacent the part in the shot-peening session,
and for calculating the intensity from the pressure data. A
shot-peening parameter comparator compares the calculated intensity
with a shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at least one
sensor. A calibration assessor confirms a calibration of the
shot-peening apparatus when the calculated intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at least one sensor.
A method for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening apparatus is
also provided.
Inventors: |
Blais; Mario; (Varennes,
CA) ; Blanchet; Martin; (Beloeil, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. |
Longueuil |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
56923720 |
Appl. No.: |
14/664152 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L 5/0052 20130101;
B24C 1/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01L 5/00 20060101
G01L005/00; B24C 1/10 20060101 B24C001/10 |
Claims
1. A method for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening
apparatus, comprising: obtaining real-time pressure data from or
based on data received from at least one sensor positioned on a
sample part during a shot-peening session; calculating a
shot-peening intensity from the pressure data; comparing the
calculated intensity to a shot-peening intensity threshold range
for the at least one sensor; and confirming a calibration of the
shot-peening apparatus when the calculated intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at least one
sensor.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining real-time
pressure data comprises obtaining real-time readings for a
plurality of the sensor disposed at various locations on the sample
part; and wherein confirming a calibration of the shot-peening
apparatus is when the calculated intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for each of the plurality of
sensors.
3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising verifying a
dispersion of shot media on the sample part in the shot-peening
session using the real-time readings for each of the plurality of
sensors.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein comparing the
calculated intensity comprising verifying a dispersion of shot
media on the sample part in the shot-peening session by comparing
the calculated intensity to a shot-peening intensity threshold
range for each of the plurality of sensors.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein confirming a
calibration comprises refuting a calibration when the pressure data
is outside of the shot-peening pressure threshold range for at
least one of the plurality of sensors after a time range of the
shot-peening session as lapsed.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein confirming a
calibration comprises refuting a calibration when the calculated
intensity is outside of the shot-peening intensity threshold range
for the at least one sensor after a time range of the shot-peening
session as lapsed.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining real-time
pressure data comprises obtaining real-time pressure data
wirelessly from the at least one sensor.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein confirming the
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus comprises automatically
stopping the shot-peening session.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising recording
shot-peening session parameters after confirmation, for subsequent
use in at least one of shot-peening sessions and assessing the
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus for another sample
part.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein comparing the measured
intensity comprises obtaining the shot-peening intensity threshold
range as established from recording shot-peening session parameters
in Almen strip testing.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising positioning
the at least one sensor adjacent a part to be shot-peened, and shot
peening the part and the at least one sensor.
12. A system for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening
apparatus using a part in a shot-peening session, comprising: an
intensity calculator for receiving real-time pressure data from at
least one sensor positioned adjacent the part in the shot-peening
session, and for calculating the intensity from the pressure data;
a shot-peening parameter comparator for comparing the calculated
intensity with a shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at
least one sensor; and a calibration assessor for confirming a
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus when the calculated
intensity is within the shot-peening intensity threshold range for
the at least one sensor.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the intensity
calculator receives the real-time pressure data from a plurality of
the sensor distributed on the sample; the calibration assessor
producing calibration data comprising the comparison for all of the
plurality of sensors.
14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a
dispersion verifier for establishing data based on a dispersion of
shot media on the part in the shot-peening session using the
real-time pressure data for each of the plurality of sensors, the
calibration assessor confirming the calibration based on the data
from the dispersion verifier.
15. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a
dispersion verifier for establishing data based on a dispersion of
shot media on the part in the shot-peening session by comparing the
calculated intensity to a shot-peening intensity threshold range
for each of the plurality of sensors, the calibration assessor
confirming the calibration based on the data from the dispersion
verifier.
16. The system according to claim 12, wherein the calibration
assessor automatically stops the shot-peening session upon
confirming a calibration.
17. The system according to claim 12, wherein the calibration
assessor records parameters of the shot-peening session when
calibration is confirmed, for use in subsequent shot-peening
sessions.
18. The system according to claim 12, wherein the calibration
assessor records parameters of the shot-peening session subsequent
use in assessing the calibration of the shot-peening apparatus.
19. The system according to claim 12, wherein the shot-peening
parameter comparator obtains the shot-peening intensity threshold
range as established from recording shot-peening session parameters
in Almen strip testing.
20. The system according to claim 12, wherein the calibration
assessor receives and produces surface images of the at least one
sensor.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to shot peening and to the
calibration of shot peening equipment for producing parts according
to given specifications.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0002] Shot peening is commonly used as a cold working process to
alter the properties of parts. Shot peening involves impacting
surfaces with shot media with a force sufficient to create the
plastic deformation of the part.
[0003] As shot peening typically involves a jet producing a jet
stream to propel shot media on a surface, some calibration is
required in order to produce parts according to specifications.
Shot peening calibration involves assessing parameters or factors
such as velocity of the shot media, dispersion or coverage and
pattern. Indeed, because the plastic deformation resulting from
shot peening affects the near surface microstructure and near
surface residual stresses, and eventually the material fatigue
life, the relationship between the shot peening parameters and the
near surface quality may be important for acceptable part life,
especially in industries such as the aerospace industry.
[0004] Current methods to calibrate shot peening equipment may
require many trials and tests. Opportunities for improvement
exist.
SUMMARY
[0005] Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, there
is provided a method for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening
apparatus, comprising: obtaining real-time pressure data from or
based on data received from at least one sensor positioned on a
sample part during a shot-peening session; calculating a
shot-peening intensity from the pressure data; comparing the
calculated intensity to a shot-peening intensity threshold range
for the at least one sensor; and confirming a calibration of the
shot-peening apparatus when the calculated intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at least one
sensor.
[0006] Further in accordance with the present disclosure, there is
provided a system for assessing a calibration of a shot-peening
apparatus using a part in a shot-peening session, comprising: an
intensity calculator for receiving real-time pressure data from at
least one sensor positioned adjacent the part in the shot-peening
session, and for calculating the intensity from the pressure data;
a shot-peening parameter comparator for comparing the calculated
intensity with a shot-peening intensity threshold range for the at
least one sensor; and a calibration assessor for confirming a
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus when the calculated
intensity is within the shot-peening intensity threshold range for
the at least one sensor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures, in
which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an assembly of a shot-peening
apparatus, sample part, sensors and a system for assessing a
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus in a shot-peening
session, in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for assessing a
calibration of a shot-peening apparatus in accordance with the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, an assembly for assessing a calibration
of a shot-peening apparatus A (shown as the shot output jet or
nozzle) using a sample part B in a shot-peening session is
generally shown at 10. The schematically illustrated assembly is
one in which the sample part B is relatively flat and fixed
relative to the shot-peening apparatus A. However, there may be
some relative movement between the apparatus A (axis X, Z and
angles a, b) and the sample part B, such as a rotation on c axis of
the sample part B on axis Y, for a moving position of the apparatus
A. Hence, any positioning step may be automated. In an embodiment,
the sample part B may be the same as a batch of parts that are each
to be exposed to a shot-peening session with the apparatus A--i.e.,
the shot-peening session being defined as the shot-peening executed
over a period of time for a single part or single set of part. The
shot-peening sessions being repeated for all parts of the batch.
Hence, the sample part B is positioned in a reproducible way
relative to the apparatus A, for instance by a chuck, a clamp, etc.
Accordingly, once the apparatus A is deemed to be calibrated, the
rest of the batch of parts may undergo shot-peening sessions by
being positioned in the reproducible way relative to the apparatus
A, with the settings of the apparatus A being set at the outset of
the calibration.
[0011] The assembly 10 comprises one or more electronic pressure
sensors 12 disposed at various locations on the part B. The
pressure sensors 12 are for example pressure transducers that are
relatively thin and designed to be fixed to a surface of the sample
part B. By being thin, the impact force of shot media thereon will
be representative of the impact force of shot media on the part B
in the absence of the pressure sensor 12. A protective layer may be
added to the pressure sensor 12 to protect same for multi-session
use. Wires may extend from the pressure sensors 12 to a processor,
for wired transmission of pressure data. Alternatively, the
pressure sensors 12 may incorporate a transmitter and associated
electronics (including a battery) to transmit pressure data
wirelessly to the processor.
[0012] The assembly 10 also has an assessment system 14 which
includes modules in a processing unit, such as a personal computer,
a laptop, a handheld device that receives data from the pressure
sensors 12. The processing unit may communicate with the pressure
sensors 12 by wired or wireless communication, the latter
configuration being well suited for the assembly 10 featuring
relative movement between the apparatus A and sample part B. In an
embodiment, the assessment system 14 may communicate with the
apparatus A to control same, e.g., start and stop shot-peening
session in synchronization with the assessment, and control the
position of the sample part B relative to the apparatus A.
[0013] Other components may include a camera or like imaging device
16 suitable for imaging shot-peened surfaces (i.e., appropriate
zoom and resolution), and interfaces 18 such as a monitor to output
calibration data, keyboard, mouse, etc for interactions with a user
of the assembly 10.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the system 14 comprises an
intensity calculator 40, a dispersion verifier 41, shot-peening
parameter comparator 42, and a calibration assessor 43.
[0015] The intensity calculator 40 receives readings from the
sensors 12 representative of pressure data positioned on the sample
part B. The readings may be continuous through a shot-peening
session (i.e., the shot peening of one part) and in real time, for
real time assessment of the calibration of apparatus A. The
intensity calculator 40 may therefore interpret the signal
according to its format, and calculate the intensity from the
pressure data, over time as the shot-peening session may not be
instantaneous. In an embodiment, the intensity calculator 40
calculates the pressure in real-time over a period of time, thereby
enabling the calculation of the intensity.
[0016] The dispersion verifier 41 may be present in the system 14
in instances where multiple sensors 12 are used. The dispersion
verifier 41 may establish dispersion data based on a dispersion of
shot media on the sample part in the shot-peening session using the
real-time readings for each of the plurality of sensors. For
example, if all of the sensors 12 produce some signal, the
dispersion verifier 41 may determine that the shot-peening
apparatus A performs a suitable dispersion of shot media on the
sample part B. The dispersion verifier 41 may also establish data
based on a dispersion of shot media on the sample part B by
comparing the measured intensity calculated by the intensity
calculator 40 to a shot-peening intensity threshold range for each
of the sensors 12. Stated differently, if all of the pressure
sensors 12 have each individually sensed an intensity within what
is established as being acceptable, the shot media of the
shot-peening apparatus A in the session perform suitable
dispersion.
[0017] The shot-peening parameter comparator 42 compares the
intensity measured by the intensity calculator 40 with a
shot-peening intensity threshold range for the pressure sensor(s)
12. The shot-peening intensity threshold range may be evaluated in
the designing of the part, for instance based on a desired
intensity required to produce a given effect on the part.
[0018] The shot-peening intensity threshold range may also be
established by recording shot-peening session parameters in Almen
strip testing. For example, in the initial calibration of the
shot-peening apparatus A, Almen strip testing may be used to
calibrate the shot-peening apparatus A. Once calibration is reached
with Almen strip testing (and session parameters are noted), a
shot-peening session may be perfomed using the calibration settings
with the sample part B and the sensor(s) 12. The pressure data and
intensity is measured to quantify the calibration. The intensity
value may then be established as a range based on the measured
intensity. The shot-peening intensity threshold range may also be
established by recording shot-peening session parameters of the
previous calibration.
[0019] The calibration assessor 43 is used to confirm or refute a
calibration of the shot-peening apparatus A. Calibration may be
confirmed when the calibration assessor 43 receives confirmation
that the intensity measured by the intensity calculator 40 is
within the shot-peening intensity threshold range for the pressure
sensor(s) 12, as compared by the shot-peening parameter comparator
42. Calibration may be confirmed when the calibration assessor 43
receives confirmation from the dispersion verifier 41 that suitable
dispersion has been achieved.
[0020] The calibration assessor 43 may therefore stop the
shot-peening apparatus A when calibration is confirmed.
Additionally, the calibration assessor 43 may record parameters of
the shot-peening session (e.g., duration, flow and pressure
settings on the shot-peening apparatus A) when calibration is
confirmed, for use in subsequent shot-peening sessions. The
calibration assessor 43 may output calibration data featuring the
measured intensity, measured pressure over time, shot-peening
apparatus settings, dispersion value, as well as surface images of
the sensors.
[0021] On the other hand, the calibration assessor 43 may refute
calibration. For example, the calibration assessor 43 may identify
that the expected duration of time for a session has exceeded. In
an embodiment featuring a plurality of the sensors 12, the
calibration assessor 43 may observe that only some of the sensors
12 are within the shot-peening intensity threshold range while
others are not. For example, the calibration assessor 43 may
observe from the comparison of the shot-peening parameter
comparator 42 that one sensor 12 has been subjected to intensity
beyond the shot-peening intensity threshold range. The calibration
data may then be used by the user to adjust settings of the
shot-peening apparatus A.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for assessing a
calibration of a shot-peening apparatus, such as the shot-peening
apparatus A, is set forth at 50. The method 50 may be formed by the
system 14. The method 50 is described below with references to some
of the components and modules of FIG. 1, as a non-imitative
example. It is contemplated to perform the method 50 with another
system.
[0023] According to 51, real-time readings are obtained from the
pressure sensor(s) 12 positioned on the sample part B in a
shot-peening session. This may include obtaining real-time readings
for a plurality of the sensors 12 disposed at various locations on
the sample part B, for instance wirelessly. A dispersion of shot
media may be verified of shot media on the sample part B in the
shot-peening session using the real-time readings for each of the
plurality of sensors.
[0024] According to 52, pressure data is calculated in real-time
for each of the sensor(s) 12 using the real-time readings.
[0025] According to 53, an intensity is measured for each of the
sensors from the cumulated pressure data of 52.
[0026] According to 54, the measured intensity is compared to a
shot-peening intensity threshold range for the sensor(s) 12. A
dispersion of shot media on the sample part B in the shot-peening
session may be established using the comparison of the measured
intensity relative to the shot-peening intensity threshold range
for each of the plurality of sensors 12. The shot-peening intensity
threshold range may be obtained as established from recording
shot-peening session parameters in Almen strip testing.
[0027] According to 55, a calibration of the shot-peening apparatus
A is confirmed when the measured intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for sensor(s) 12. When a
plurality of sensors 12 are used, the confirmation is based on a
determination that the measured intensity is within the
shot-peening intensity threshold range for each of the plurality of
sensors. 55 may include refuteing a calibration when the pressure
data is outside of the shot-peening pressure threshold range for
the one or more of the sensors 12 after a time range of the
shot-peening session as lapsed. 55 may also include automatically
stopping the shot-peening session.
[0028] The shot-peening session parameters may be recorded after
confirmation, for subsequent use in shot-peening sessions under
this calibration, and/or for assessing the calibration of the
shot-peening apparatus for another sample part.
[0029] The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one
skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the
embodiments described without departing from the scope of the
invention disclosed. The assembly 10 forms an automated system with
pressure sensors used to validate the peening intensity and the
coverage in lieu of Almen test strip. Still other modifications
which fall within the scope of the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this
disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the
appended claims.
* * * * *